Primark set to reach 21 markets as it confirms next steps of Middle East Expansion in Bahrain and Qatar

• Five stores confirmed for 2026 – in UAE, three stores will open in Dubai in March, April and May, followed by stores in Bahrain and Qatar by the end of the year.

• Primark will open its first Dubai store in Dubai Mall on Thursday 26th March.

• Expansion will bring Primark to 21 countries internationally by end of 2026.

International fashion retailer Primark has today confirmed further expansion plans in the Middle East, following the successful opening of its first store in the region located at The Avenues, Kuwait, in October 2025.

In partnership with leading international retail franchise operator Alshaya Group, Primark will open in the UAE with three stores in Dubai in the first half of the year, with the first store opening on 26th March in Dubai Mall. Primark is also set to open stores in two further new markets Bahrain and Qatar by the end of 2026.

With thousands of customers attending the opening event of the eagerly anticipated flagship Primark store in Kuwait in October 2025, shoppers in Dubai will be next to enjoy Primark’s unique value offering this Spring which spans both the latest trends and everyday essentials, all at unbeatable prices across womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, home and beauty.

Primark stores in Dubai will open in Dubai Mall (26th March), City Centre Mirdif (April), and Mall of the Emirates (May). Later in 2026, Primark will open in Bahrain (City Centre Bahrain) and in Qatar (Doha Festival City). Primark and Alshaya Group will continue to work together on plans for further expansion across the region in the coming years.

Eoin Tonge, Primark Interim CEO, said: “It’s been amazing to see the reaction to the opening of our very first store in Kuwait, which shows the potential of our brand in the Middle East. We are now delighted to announce the expansion of our franchise partnership with Alshaya Group with five stores due to open in 2026 in UAE, Bahrain and Qatar – beginning with Dubai Mall in March. Today is an exciting moment for us and our growth ambitions, as we move forward with plans to reach 21 countries.”

John Hadden, CEO, Alshaya Group, said: "We are incredibly proud of working with Primark to bring this most anticipated brand to shoppers across the region, and we are looking forward to opening in three countries with five stores this year. This is just the beginning as we work with Primark to grow the brand, after such a fantastic first opening in Kuwait. Next stop Dubai in March!”

After more than 55 years, Primark now operates more than 475 stores in 18 countries across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and the US. The retailer is also preparing to expand in its existing markets, including opening its first flagship store in Manhattan, New York, in Spring this year after recently marking its 10-year anniversary in the US last year.